Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II has charged title holders on progress, development of the ancient town and Oyo State in general.
The monarch urged them to see the titles bestowed on them as responsibilities towards the progress, growth and development of Ibadanland and that they should at all times prioritize Ibadan interests.
He gave this charge at the installation of three eminent personalities, Chief (Mrs.) Janet Raimi as Asiwaju Oloja of Oyo State, Chief Laja Akintayo and Chief (Mrs) Olukemi Akintayo as Jagunmolu and Yeye Jagunmolu Apesinola of Ibadanland and Chief (Mrs). Sefiat Olatoyosi Adetoyese as Yeye-Oba of Ibadanland.
The new title holders, who were said to be considered for the exalted titles based on their past activities were enjoined not to relent in making their relevance felt in Ibadanland as he prayed for them to live long in robust and sound health.
In his reaction to the new titles bestowed on him and his wife, the Jagunmolu Apesinola of Ibadanland, Chief Akintayo praised Oba Balogun for the honour done him and his wife with a pledge to continue doing his best for his fatherland despite the fact that he is based in the US.
“It doesn’t affect me because I’m part and parcel of Ibadanland through the activities of CCII, through the activities of Ibadan Descendants’ Union and many others.
So, this chieftaincy title has challenged me again to make sure I do more and give back to Ibadanland.
“I will mobilize other people, especially in Diaspora to make Ibadan bigger than what it is and make sure that Ibadanland maintains its status as a Pace Setter state. It is our town and it is big, so there is the need to contribute our own quota to its development.
“I have been contributing my own quota to the progress of Ibadan in the past 40 years and I will continue to be doing that. So, I pray to God to give me more strength”, the new Jagunmolu Apesinola added.
On her part, the newly installed Yeye-Oba, Chief (Mrs). Adetoyese said she was elated by the title which was a function of a long lasting relationship between her and Ibadanland in general and Olubadan in particular saying, “it is a big responsibility which I have come to accept with every sense of commitment and humility. I know the enormity of the responsibility demanded by the title and I promise not to let down Kabiyesi and Ibadanland”.
